While very similar to its cousin Purple Coneflower, Pale Purple Coneflower has thinner petals, grows shorter, and true to its name, is much paler in color. It is highly adaptable to most soils as long as they are well drained, and tolerates heat, drought, and humidity. This coneflower tends to bloom a little earlier in the season compared to Purple Coneflower, so planting them together will ensure you have blooms throughout the summer.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full Sun-Part Shade

Water requirements: Low

Soil requirements: Dry-Medium, well-drained

Bloom time: June-July

Bloom color: Pink, purple

Height: 2-3 feet

Width: 1-1.5 feet

USDA Zone: 4-8

Larval host: Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, Wavy-lined Emerald moth

Other notes: Pale purple coneflower will generally rebloom without deadheading, but the plant will look tidier if spent blooms are removed. Usually needs to be divided when they become overcrowded (around every 4 years). This is a prairie plant and looks good when allowed to spread and planted among grasses. Planting among stiff grasses and other prairie plants will help hide the flower stems, which are leafless, and help prevent flopping. Blooms can sometimes be almost white in color.

Do you have Pale Purple Coneflower growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!